27-29 Aug 2025
ICC, Sydney

Using video analytics to drive sustainability in business

Oct 13, 2017

The growing sophistication of analytics in video surveillance brings the opportunity to apply devices beyond just security and into business intelligence and decision-making. The insight provided into business operations has multiple applications, leading to significant potential cost savings and the promotion of sustainable business practices.

A group of students from Aalto University in Helsinki used video surveillance equipment, coupled with video analytics software, to explore ways of reducing energy consumption. They also used the findings in guiding ways of more efficiently using space within an office environment.

PhD student and author of the study, Ken Dooley, observed that the premises were heated up, cooled down, ventilated and illuminated all year round based on assumptions rather than actual data. Previously the building managers simply manually calculated and guessed when people arrived at and exited from buildings. Individual patterns of movement were impossible to anticipate and predict. Today the building managers can obtain real-time knowledge about the presence of people and how the premises are used using video analytics.

Analytics contributing to 18% reduction in energy consumption

The study found that if such technology was employed campus-wide, the university would stand to reduce energy consumption by up to 18%. In addition to the huge energy savings, the data harvested showed that by switching to a hot-desking culture desk capacity could be reduced by up to a third.

Dooley concluded that the intelligent solution featuring video analytics software and network cameras “can very effectively contribute to more sustainable and climate-smart buildings, where we can save money and reduce environmental impacts.”

The study demonstrates the clear potential for reduced energy consumption and more efficient use of office space for organisations of all sizes. When combined with smart building systems to automatically control heating, lighting and other services, the cumulative impact could also make a significant contribution towards national energy objectives.

Story credit: Axis Communications

Source: https://www.axis.com/blog/secure-insights/analytics-drive-sustainability/ 

This article was originally published by Axis Communications, Principal Exhibition and Registration Sponsor for the Security Exhibition & Conference.

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